Wearable protective apparel containing a protective mask and methods

ABSTRACT

Wearable protective apparel including a shirt and an integral protective mask attached to a collar of the shirt, with the mask being adapted to filter out biologic agents or particulate matter from air that a user may breathe in or out. The mask is attached to only a forward-oriented portion of the collar that is less than half a perimeter of the collar. The mask includes an attachment component that secures the mask in an operating position and allows the mask to cover the nose and mouth area of a user. The mask may be formed from multiple plies of breathable washable fabric that allow for filtering biologic agents or particulate matter. The wearable protective apparel provides the user with convenient and easy access to a protective mask at a moment&#39;s notice and allows the mask to be easily and comfortably hidden.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND CLAIM TO PRIORITY

This application is based upon provisional patent application No. 63/021,252 filed May 7, 2020 in the United States of America, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference and to which priority is claimed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to wearable protective apparel, such as a shirt, that contains a protective mask attached thereto, and methods of using such apparel.

BACKGROUND

With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading around the world, person to person transmission of the disease has been a major concern in the spread of the disease. As such, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended social distancing and wearing face masks in public for preventing the spread of the disease. The recommendations aim to protect the individual from the disease, as well as protecting the public from diseased individuals. However, many find it inconvenient to carry around a protective face mask when going out in public. In addition, many may not remember to carry a face mask with them when they leave the house, only to be refused admission to businesses, such as supermarkets or stores. As the Covid-19 pandemic continues, the recommendations, rules, and requirements put forth by the CDC and State governments evolve and change rapidly, making it difficult to know exactly when a protective face mask may be needed. In addition to meeting CDC recommendations on COVID-19, protective face masks also provide protection from airborne pollutants, such as automotive exhaust, smoke, dust, and dirt.

Therefore, there remains a need for a protective mask that is incorporated into a daily wear garment, such as a shirt or t-shirt. Such a mask should be available easily for use when needed, and should also be capable of being oriented in a stowage position when not being used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The wearable protective apparel overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art by providing a convenient, easy to use, readily accessible and easily hidden integral protective mask incorporated into a garment, such as a shirt or t-shirt. Incorporating the mask into the garment allows individuals to have ready access at all times to a mask that meets CDC recommendations to protect themselves and others from airborne disease, and removes the inconvenience of having to carry an easily misplaced or forgotten mask.

In one embodiment, the wearable protective apparel of the present invention includes a shirt formed from a fabric material and having a collar defining an opening for the head of a user. A mask is secured to only a forward-oriented portion of the collar, with the forward-oriented portion of the collar being less than half the perimeter of the collar. The mask is formed from a fabric suitable for filtering at least one of biologic agents and particulates. At least one attachment component is integral with the mask, and the at least one attachment component releasably secures to a portion of a user's head, such as an ear or the back of the user's head, so that the mask is placed in an operable position about the nose and mouth of the user. The mask may further be placed in a stowed position in which the mask is adjacent an interior surface of a forward-oriented portion of the garment.

The shirt may be formed of a woven material, including, but not limited to, cotton, polyester, elastane, or any combination of cotton, polyester, or elastane. The shirt, such as a t-shirt, may include a collar that forms a continuous annular opening for the head of a user. The collar may be fixedly secured to the shirt by way of one of stitching or sewing.

The mask may be formed from at least two plies of fabric. Each of the plies may be made from the same fabric, with the fabric being a washable, breathable fabric suitable for filtering at least one of biologic agents and particulates. Such fabrics may include, but are not limited to, cotton, polyester, elastane, or any combination of cotton, polyester or elastane. By forming the mask from plies of such materials, the user is provided with an enhanced level of filtration and protection against biologic agents and particulates.

The mask may be secured to the forward-oriented portion of the collar either fixedly or releasably. In an embodiment with a fixedly secured configuration, the mask may be secured to the forward-oriented portion of the collar by at least one of sewing, stitching or the application of adhesive, such as glue. In an embodiment with a releasably secured configuration, the mask may be secured to the forward-oriented portion of the collar by one of a hook and loop fastener, at least one magnetic fastener, or at least one snap fastener. Such securement mechanisms for the mask ensure that the mask is conveniently accessible for a wearer and that the mask will stay attached to the shirt when the mask is in the stowed position.

In one embodiment, the at least one attachment component may be formed as at least one ear attachment component, with the at least one ear attachment portion being adapted to be releasably secured to an ear of a user. Further, the at least one ear attachment component may be formed as two ear loops integral with the mask, each of the two ear loops adapted for extending about a respective ear of the user. In an alternative embodiment, the at least one attachment component may include one or more elastic straps that extend around the back of the user's head. By using at least one attachment component as described above, the mask is securely in an operable position over the user's nose and mouth enabling filtration of biologic agents or particulates for the user.

In a further embodiment, at least one connector may extend between the mask and the collar to secure the mask and collar together. The at least one connector may be a panel of fabric material, and may have a first end and a second end, with the first end attached to the mask and the second end attached to the collar. Thus, the panel covers a forward-oriented portion of a wearer's neck when the mask is in the operable position. Alternatively, the at least one connector may be formed by at least two straps extending between the mask and the collar. Each of the at least two straps has a first strap end and a second strap end, with the first strap ends secured to the mask and the second strap ends secured to the forward-oriented portion of the collar. The second strap ends may further be attached to the forward oriented portion of the collar at points that are about one inch or less from seams at the top of the shirt. Such placement of the second strap ends helps to prevent any distortion of the collar's shape when the mask is placed in the stowed position. In addition, the at least one connector ensures that the mask remains attached to the shirt and makes the positioning of the mask in either the operating or stowed position easy and convenient for the user.

In another embodiment, the mask may have a nose-conforming element formed of a flexible strip. The flexible strip may be secured in place on the mask through sewing, stitching, or application of adhesive, such as glue. The flexible strip may be situated between the plies forming the mask or may be secured to one of the plies of the mask. The flexible strip may be formed from a strip or wire of a flexible, pliable material that retains a desired shape, such as a thin, flexible metal. The flexible strip may be pressed to conform to the shape of a user's nose and retains that shape when the mask is in the operable position. The mask thus better matches the shape of the user's face and prevents airflow from moving around the mask so that the user only takes in airflow that passes through the filter area formed by the mask. Further, by incorporating the flexible strip into the mask and allowing the mask to better conform to the user's face, any user who wears glasses is able to prevent their glasses from being fogged up when they exhale because the airflow is forced to pass through the filter area rather than leaking around the mask.

The present invention further includes a method of enabling filtering through use of a shirt. The method includes the step of providing a shirt, such as a t-shirt, formed from a woven material and having a continuous collar defining an opening for the head of a user. The shirt includes an integral mask, with the mask having a stowed position adjacent an interior shirt surface of a forward-facing portion of the shirt and an operating position in which the mask is outside of the shirt. The method further comprises the step of placing the shirt on a user, such that the head of the user passes through the opening. In addition, the method includes the steps of removing the mask from the stowed position by pulling the mask through the opening and placing the mask in the operating position by positioning the mask about the nose and mouth of the user. The method further comprises the step of securing the mask in the operating position by releasably securing the mask to the user's head, such as through at least one ear attachment component to an ear of a user, with the at least one ear attachment component being integral with the mask, or with a resilient strap disposed about the head. When the user is done wearing the mask, the user may release the mask from the operating position and place the mask back in the stowed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing background, as well as the following detailed description, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the wearable protective apparel with the mask tucked away in a stowed position;

FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of the wearable protective apparel of FIG. 1 with the mask deployed in an operable position;

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of the wearable protective apparel with the mask deployed in an operable position;

FIG. 4 shows the embodiment of the wearable protective apparel of FIG. 1 with the mask secured over a user's face;

FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of the wearable protective apparel with the mask secured over the user's face;

FIGS. 6 and 7 show cross-sectional views taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 2 of different embodiments of the wearable protective apparel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention will now be described with the reference to accompanying drawings. The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, the wearable protective apparel 1 includes a wearable garment 12, such as a shirt or T-shirt, and an integral protective mask 10 attached to the garment 12. The garment 12 may be formed from a fabric material, for example a woven fabric including, but not limited to, cotton, polyester, elastane, or any combination of cotton, polyester, or elastane. The garment 12 includes a collar 14 which is attached to the body 16 of the garment 12 to form a neck opening 18. The neck opening 18 is sized such that a wearer's head and neck area may pass through or fit within the collar 14. The collar 14 forms a continuous annular opening for the head of the user, such as on a t-shirt. The collar 14 may be attached to the body of the garment by, for example, stitching or sewing. The mask 10 is secured to only a forward-oriented portion of the collar 14, such that a rearward-oriented portion of the collar 14 is not attached to the mask 10. The forward-oriented portion of the collar 14 occupies less than half a perimeter of the collar 14. In this way, the mask 10 minimizes the possibility of materials falling into the garment 12 through the forward-facing portion, although the rearward portion is exposed and open, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. Further, because mask 10 is attached and covers only a forward-facing portion of garment 12 when engaged with the user, there is reduced heat build-up as could occur should the mask 10 encircle garment 12. Thus, the mask 10 and garment 12 are more comfortable to wear, particularly during warm temperatures.

The mask 10 is preferably attached to the inside of the collar 14. The mask 10 does not encircle the collar 14, and only attaches to a forward-oriented portion of the collar 14. When deployed in the operable position, as best shown in FIGS. 2-5, the mask 10 only covers the forward-oriented portions of a user's face and/or neck. Attachment of the mask 10 to only a forward-oriented portion of the collar 14 allows for the mask 10 to be unobtrusively and completely hidden inside of the garment 12 when the mask 10 is stowed and not in use. In one embodiment, the mask 10 may be stowed adjacent an interior surface of a forward-oriented portion of garment 12, as seen in FIG. 1. In addition, the mask 10 may be stowed on an exterior surface of a forward-oriented portion of the garment 12, allowing the mask 10 to be used as a bib or the like. Using the mask 10 as a bib allows the user to protect the front of the garment 12, a tie, or any similar piece of clothing or accessory at least partially worn on the user's front during activities such as eating.

The mask 10 may be attached to the collar 14 in a fixedly or releasably secured manner. FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the invention where the mask 10 is fixedly secured to the collar 14, preferably by way of stitching 42 on at least one attachment portion 40. Stitching the mask 10 to the collar 14 permanently secures the mask 10 and collar 14 together and prevents the mask 10 from coming loose or falling off the collar 14 while the garment 12 is worn or not worn, such as when the garment 12 is being machine cleaned or dried. While stitching 42 is shown in FIG. 6, the mask 10 may be fixedly secured to the collar 14 by alternative mechanisms including sewing and/or the application of adhesives, such as glue. As best seen in FIG. 7, the mask 10 may be attached to the collar 14 on the at least one attachment portion 40 by at least one hook and loop fastener 41. While at least one hook and loop fastener 41 is shown in FIG. 7, alternative means of releasable connection element may be used to secure the mask 10 and collar 14 together, including, but not limited to at least one magnetic fastener, or at least one snap fastener. Such securement mechanisms for the mask 10 ensure that the mask 10 is conveniently accessible for the wearer, and that the mask 10 will stay attached to the shirt 12 when the mask 10 is in the stowed position.

The mask 10 includes a mask body 20 which is configured to conform to a wearer's face and neck (see FIGS. 2-5). As seen in FIG. 6, the mask 10 may be formed from at least two plies 242, 244 of a washable, breathable fabric suitable for filtering at least one of biologic agents and particulates. The plies may be secured together about their periphery by stitching 43, 44 at securement portions 202, 204. Though FIG. 6 shows stitching 43, 44, the plies 242, 244 may be secured together by alternate means, such as an adhesive. Suitable fabrics include cotton, polyester, elastane, or any combination of cotton, polyester or elastane. Further, the mask 10 may be formed from the same material as used to form the garment 12. In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the mask 10 may be formed by stacking at least two plies 246, 248 of the fabric. The plies 246, 248 are secured about their periphery at securement portions 206, 208, such as by stitching 45, 46, as shown in FIG. 7, or alternatively adhesives. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the plies 242, 244, 246, 248 of fabric used to form the mask 10 are cut and sized to conform to typical face and neck dimensions, as is known in the protective mask art. The plies 242, 244, 246, 248 may be further secured through the use of an upper fabric border 32, a first side fabric border 33, a second side fabric border 34, and a lower fabric border 35, as seen in FIGS. 2-5. The fabric borders 32, 33, 34, 35 may be formed from a fabric material including, but not limited to, fabrics such as cotton, polyester, elastane, or any combination of cotton, polyester or elastane. Additionally, the fabric borders 32, 33, 34, 35 may be formed from the same material as the mask 10. The fabric borders 32, 33, 34, 35 overlap edges of plies 242, 244, 246, 248 at securement portions 202, 204, 206, 208. By providing at least two plies 242, 244, 246, 248 of fabric, the mask 10 is able to provide a wearer, who is not performing healthcare work, with a CDC recommended level of filtration and protection against biologic agents and particulates.

The mask 10 further has at least one attachment component that releasably secures the mask 10 to the user's face. The at least one attachment component may include a pair of ear loops 22 on opposed sides of mask body 20 (see FIGS. 2-4) which may be integral to the mask body 20, may be integral with fabric borders 32, 34 (see FIGS. 2-4), or may be attached via sewing or otherwise incorporated into the mask 10. The loops 22 may be, e.g., elastic strings, cords, straps, or openings in the fabric. The ear loops 22 are configured to extend about an associated ear of the user. Alternatively, instead of ear loops 22, the mask 10 may include one or more elastic straps, such as an upper strap 222 and a lower strap 224, that are configured to go around the back of the user's head, as seen in FIG. 5. Further, the upper strap 222 may be integral with mask body 20, may be integral with upper fabric border 32, or may be attached via sewing or other means suitable for securing the upper strap to the mask 10. The lower strap 224 may be integral with the mask body 20, may be integral with lower fabric border 34, or may be attached via sewing or other suitable manner that secures the lower strap to the mask 10. The upper strap 222 and lower strap 224 may be formed from fabrics having elastic characteristics, such as, but not limited to, cotton, polyester, elastance, or any combination of cotton, polyester, or elastane. Further, the upper strap 222 and lower strap 224 may be formed from the same material used for the mask 10 and/or garment 12. The at least one attachment component is configured to secure the mask 10 to the user's face in an operable position that covers the user's mouth and nose when in use, thereby ensuring filtration of air for the user.

Referring to FIGS. 2-5, incorporated into the mask 10 and mask body 22 is a filter area 24 disposed within fabric borders 32, 33, 34, 35. The filter area 24 is configured to be positioned directly over the use's nose and mouth areas when in use. The filter area 24 is made of fabric suitable for filtering one or more types of airborne particles and/or biological agents. The filter fabric may be, but not limited to, natural fibers, such as cotton or wool, or may be made from synthetic fibers such polyester and polyurethane and/or other synthetic foam materials and non-woven fabrics. Further, the filter area 24 may be formed of the same fabric material as garment 12 and/or the mask body 22. The filter fabric can be configured to filter airborne particles by mechanical mechanisms, e.g. by varying the weave density and/or fabric thickness or in the case of foam materials, the foam density, and/or by chemical mechanisms, e.g. by including absorptive charcoal particles embedded in the fabric and/or foam and/or by treating the fabric and/or foam with absorptive materials. The filter fabric may be treated with permanent antimicrobial fabric treatments, including, but not limited to, FDA approved silver or copper based antimicrobial fabric treatments, such as those treatments available under the names SilverShield®, or Silvadur™.

In a further embodiment, at least one connector may extend between the mask 10 and the collar 14 to secure the mask 10 and collar 14 together. As seen in FIG. 3, the at least one connector may be a panel 280 of a fabric material and may have a first end 281 and a second end 282, with the first end 281 attached to the mask 10 and the second end 282 attached to the collar 14 at attachment portion 60. Thus, the panel 280 covers a forward-oriented portion of a wearer's neck when the mask 10 is in the operable position. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2, the at least one connector may be formed by at least two straps 260, 264 extending between the mask 10 and the collar 14. Each of the at least two straps 260, 264 has a first strap end 261, 265, respectively, and a second strap end 262, 266, respectively. The first strap ends 261, 265 are secured to the mask 10, and the second strap ends 262, 266 are secured to the forward-oriented portion of the collar 14. As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2, 6 and 7, the second strap ends 262, 266 may further be attached to the forward oriented portion of the collar 14 at a first attachment portion 40 and a second attachment portion 50. Each attachment portion 40, 50 is about one inch or less away from seams at the top of the garment 12; i.e., adjacent the shoulders of the user. The placement of the second strap ends 262, 266 helps to prevent distortion of the shape of collar 14 when the mask 10 is placed in the stowed position. By placing the second strap ends 262, 266 at the attachment portions 40 and 50, as best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the force of the weight of the mask 10, or the force from any pull on the mask 10 caused by friction between the mask 10 and the user's chest, is better distributed so that the collar 14 is not pulled downward in a manner that distorts the rounded appearance of the collar 14. In addition, the at least one connector ensures that the mask 10 remains attached to the garment 12 and allows positioning of the mask 10 in either the operating or stowed position to be easy and convenient for the user.

In another embodiment, the mask 10 may have a nose-conforming element formed of a flexible strip 30. The flexible strip 30 may be secured in place on the mask 10 through sewing, stitching, or application of an adhesive, such as glue. The flexible strip 30 is preferably situated between the plies 242 and 244 or 246 and 248 forming the layers of the mask 10, as best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7. Such placement allows the flexible strip 30 and mask 10 to withstand rough handling, such as that experienced during a machine washing or drying cycle. Alternatively, the flexible strip 30 may be secured to an outer layer of the mask 10. The flexible strip 30 may be formed from a strip or wire of a flexible, pliable, preferably metal, material that retains a desired shape once molded by the user to conform to the nose. Suitable materials for forming the flexible strip 30 include, but are not limited to, materials such as aluminum or stainless steel. Utilizing such materials provides a flexible material that does not stain the mask 10, that does not corrode when in contact with sweat, and that can withstand rough handling like that experienced during machine washing or drying. The flexible strip 30 may be pressed by the user to conform to the shape of the user's nose and retains that shape when the mask 10 is in the operable position. The mask 10 thus better matches the shape of the user's face and minimizes airflow around the mask 10, so that the user only takes in airflow that passes through the filter area 24 formed in the mask 10. When in the stowed position of FIG. 1, the flexible strip 30 may be flattened.

The present invention further includes a method of enabling filtering through use of the garment 12. The user is provided with the garment 12, in the form of a shirt or t-shirt, and the garment may then be placed on the user so that the user's head passes through the opening 18 in the collar 14. When not being used, the mask 10 may be rolled or folded down and tucked into the stowed position inside the shirt (see FIG. 1). In the stowed position, the mask 10 is hidden under the collar 14 inside the forward-oriented chest portion of the garment 12 such that no portion of the mask 10 and the panel 280 or the at least two straps 260, 264 can be seen above the collar 14 by another individual.

The user may deploy the mask 10 by reaching under the garment 12 through the neck opening 18, grasping the mask 10, and pulling the mask 10 through the neck opening 18. The mask 10 may then be positioned over the user's face and secured in the operating position by slipping ear loops 22 over the user's ears or placing the elastic strap(s) over the user's head (see FIGS. 4 and 5). While a single pair of ear loops 22 are shown, plural loops based on standardized US garment sizes may be provided to accommodate different size users. When in the operable position, the mask 10 provides coverage of the user's neck, nose, and mouth. When the user is done wearing the mask 10, the user may release the mask 10 from the operating position and return the mask 10 back to the stowed position.

By incorporating the protective mask 10 into the garment 12, the mask 10 is readily available for use, eliminating the need to carry around a separate protective mask. When not in use, the protective mask 10 may be unobtrusively stored inside the garment 12. When needed, the protective mask 10 may be deployed by pulling it though the front of the collar 18, placing the mask 10 over the user's face, and securing the mask 10 in place. When properly secured over the user's mouth and nose, the mask 10 provides filtration of the air passing therethrough.

Although certain presently preferred embodiments of the invention have been specifically described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains that variations and modifications of the various embodiments shown and described herein may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims and the applicable rules of law. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A shirt having an integral protective mask, comprising: a shirt formed from a fabric material and having a collar defining an opening for a head of a user; a mask secured to only a forward-oriented portion of the collar, the mask formed from a fabric suitable for filtering at least one of biologic agents and particulates; at least one ear attachment component integral with the mask, the at least one ear attachment portion configured to be releasably secured to an ear of a user and to position the mask about the nose and mouth of the user.
 2. The shirt of claim 1, wherein the mask is configured to be placed in a stowed position in which the mask is adjacent an interior shirt surface of a forward-oriented portion of the shirt.
 3. The shirt of claim 1, wherein the mask is releasably secured to the forward-oriented portion of the collar.
 4. The shirt of claim 3, wherein the mask is releasably secured to the forward-oriented portion of the collar by one of a hook and loop fastener, at least one magnetic fastener or at least one snap fastener.
 5. The shirt of claim 1, wherein the mask is fixedly secured to the forward-oriented portion of the collar.
 6. The shirt of claim 5, wherein the mask is fixedly secured to the forward-oriented portion of the collar by one of sewing and gluing.
 7. The shirt of claim 1, wherein at least two straps extend from the mask to the forward-oriented portion of the collar, each of the at least two straps having a first strap end and a second strap end, wherein the first strap ends are secured to the mask and the second strap ends are secured to the forward-oriented portion of the collar.
 8. The shirt of claim 1, wherein the at least one ear attachment component comprises two ear loops, each of the two ear loops configured to extend about a respective ear of the user.
 9. The shirt of claim 1, wherein the mask comprises at least two layers of the fabric suitable for filtering at least one of biologic agents and particulates.
 10. The shirt of claim 1, wherein the mask includes a flexible strip, the flexible strip configured to conform to a nose of the user.
 11. A t-shirt with an integral protective mask, comprising: a t-shirt formed from a woven material and having a collar, the collar being fixedly secured to the t-shirt and defining a continuous annular opening for a head of a user; a mask secured to only a forward-oriented portion of the collar, the mask formed from a fabric suitable for filtering at least one of biologic agents and particulates, the mask configured to be placed in a stowed position in which the mask is adjacent an interior shirt surface of a forward-oriented portion of the t-shirt; two ear loops integral with the mask, each of the ear loops configured to be releasably secured to an ear of a user and to position the mask in an operable position about the nose and mouth of a user.
 12. The t-shirt of claim 11, wherein the mask is formed from at least two plies of a fabric.
 13. The t-shirt of claim 12, wherein each of the plies is formed from at least one of cotton, polyester, elastane and a blend of cotton, polyester, and elastane.
 14. The t-shirt of claim 13, wherein the plies are each formed from the same material.
 15. The t-shirt of claim 11, wherein the mask is releasably secured to the forward-oriented portion of the collar by one of a hook and loop fastener, at least one magnetic fastener or at least one snap fastener.
 16. The t-shirt of claim 12, wherein the mask is secured about less than the half the perimeter of the collar.
 17. The t-shirt of claim 16, wherein the mask is fixedly secured to the forward-oriented portion of the collar by one of stitching and adhesive.
 18. The t-shirt of claim 12, wherein the mask includes a flexible strip disposed between the plies, the flexible strip configured to conform to a nose of the user when the mask is in the operable position.
 19. The t-shirt of claim 11, further comprising at least one connector, the at least one connector has a first end secured to the mask and a second end secured to the collar.
 20. A method of enabling filtering through use of a t-shirt, the method comprising the steps of: providing a t-shirt formed from a woven material and having a collar defining an opening for the head of a user, the shirt including an integral mask having a stowed position adjacent an interior t-shirt surface of a forward-facing portion of the t-shirt and an operating position; placing the t-shirt on a user, such that a head of the user passes through the opening; removing the mask from the stowed position by pulling the mask through the opening; placing the mask in the operating position by positioning the mask about the nose and mouth of the user; and securing the mask in the operating position by releasably securing at least one ear attachment component to an ear of a user, wherein the at least one ear attachment component is integral with the mask. 